Don't be taken in: Buyers warned of wine scams
The quality of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage of fine wines, such as chateau Lafite Rothschild and Cheval Blanc, has led to fears the wine fraud could become more widespread.
Recently, eight people in Britain have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Fraud Squad over allegations that more than 50 people have been conned into buying cases of fine wines that did not exist.
The victims were scammed with promises that the wines had been stored in overseas vaults and would increase in value as they aged.
"We would advise those considering investing to do their research and be sure the companies or individuals they are dealing with are reputable and legitimate," commented detective chief inspector Robin Cross, head of the Fraud Squad.
Simon Davies of Fine & Rare wines added: "These recent arrests prove again that buying wine from cold-callers or companies with no track record is a mistake."